Nothing, the London-based consumer tech brand, has begun rolling out the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta for its mid-range Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro smartphones. This update brings a notable change to the company’s software philosophy: the inclusion of pre-installed third-party partner apps. It’s a surprising shift for a brand that has long prided itself on offering a clean, bloatware-free Android experience. The update, which is based on Android 16, also introduces a new feature called Lock Glimpse, a dynamic lock screen option that adds a layer of personalization to the user experience.
Key Takeaways
- Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta is now available for the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro.
- The beta introduces pre-installed third-party partner apps, marking a first for Nothing’s software approach.
- Co-founder Akis Evangelidis says the change is essential for financial sustainability in a challenging market.
- The pre-installed apps will be minimal, carefully chosen (such as Instagram), and fully removable by the user.
- Lock Glimpse, a new lock screen feature, offers dynamic wallpapers and remains optional, turned off by default.
The Phone (3a) itself is a budget-focused device. It features a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, and packs a 5000mAh battery. Its launch was part of Nothing’s effort to deliver its distinct design and user experience at a more affordable price point, particularly in markets like India.
Evangelidis pointed out that the cost of materials for a young brand like Nothing remains relatively high compared to established industry players, leaving thinner profit margins. He noted that major competitors often offset these challenges through software-driven revenue streams such as app partnerships.
“We operate on razor-thin margins and must make deliberate choices to deliver a high-quality user experience while remaining financially sustainable,” Evangelidis wrote.
He emphasized that the inclusion of partner apps will be handled carefully. The apps will be minimal, relevant, and fully uninstallable, ensuring users retain complete control. Transparency, he said, will be key, users will know exactly which apps are included and why.
The update also brings Lock Glimpse, a feature that refreshes the lock screen with curated, high-quality wallpapers from nine different categories. The company clarified that the feature is entirely optional and turned off by default. Users who wish to activate it can do so manually in the Settings menu. Nothing also confirmed that Lock Glimpse does not collect personal data. Over time, the feature may evolve to surface useful content and timely updates, though users will still have the option to disable it entirely.
Still, the decision to include pre-installed apps has sparked debate among Nothing’s community. Many early supporters were drawn to the brand for its minimalist design and clean software philosophy. Now, the company is walking a fine line between staying financially viable and staying true to that identity.
Nothing says it’s listening closely to community feedback during the Open Beta period. The company hopes to fine-tune its approach before the stable release, balancing practical business needs with its core design principles.
For a young brand, these software partnerships could be an important part of future growth. They’re expected to help fund development and keep hardware prices accessible in the long run, especially as Nothing expands its presence in more price-sensitive markets.
In short, nothing’s latest beta reflects a brand learning to balance ideals with reality. It’s a cautious step, perhaps even a controversial one, but it could determine how sustainable the company’s vision really is in the years ahead.
Related FAQs
Q: What is Nothing OS 4.0?
A: Nothing OS 4.0 is the latest version of Nothing’s custom Android operating system, based on Android 16, which is currently in Open Beta for certain Nothing phones.
Q: Which Nothing phones are getting the pre-installed apps?
A: The company stated that a curated selection of third-party partner apps will begin appearing on select non-flagship devices, starting with the Phone (3a) series in the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta.
Q: Can I remove the pre-installed apps on Nothing OS 4.0?
A: Yes, nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis has confirmed that all pre-installed partner apps will be minimal and fully removable by the user, ensuring control over the device.
Q: What is the Lock Glimpse feature?
A: Lock Glimpse is a new feature in Nothing OS 4.0 that provides dynamic, high-quality wallpapers and can surface timely content on the lock screen. It is optional and turned off by default.
